Flashback Fridays: Remembering Noel Furlong
It’s that time of the week again where we delve deep into the poker archives and pay homage to Past events, players, or fascinating hands. What with Christmas just around the corner this week we are showcasing Noel Furlong who was born on Christmas day 1937. Sadly Noel passed away on 27th June 2021.
Noel Furlong will be remembered most for his remarkable achievment of winning the 1999 WSOP main event. The $10,000 buy in had a total of 393 entrants, with notable players such as Erik Seidel & 1996 WSOP main event winner Huckleberry Seed making the final table. Furlong went on to defeat Alan Goehring heads up after his pocket fives 5
5
flopped a fullhouse on a Q5
Q board and held vs Goehring calling an all in on the flop with a pair of sixes 66.
As well as his triumphant in the WSOP Main Event, Noel Furlong is also one of a handful of players who have won the Irish Poker Open twice. Having taking it down in 1987 & 1989.
Noel Furlong More Then a Poker Player
Alongside his poker success, Furlong managed a thriving carpet and flooring company which is still around today. Furlong had a passion for horse racing which extended to ownership and training. Noel had notable success from horses like Destriero. In the 1991 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, Destriero clinched a significant victory, backed by Furlong’s substantial $300,000 bet. Furlong strategically limited Destriero’s races, opting not to run him again after a win at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. This shrewd decision aimed to maintain favorable betting odds, showcasing Furlong’s savvy approach to racing.
Conclusion
Noel Furlong’s legacy extended far beyond the poker tables. Born on Christmas day in 1937 Furlong left an indelible mark on the poker world. With his victory in the 1999 WSOP main event. His strategic mindset was evident not only in poker but also in his successful ventures outside the card rooms. As a businessman, Furlong managed a thriving carpet and flooring company that endures to this day. Additionally, his passion for horse racing led to remarkable achievements. notably with Destriero’s victory in the 1991 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, backed by Furlong’s substantial $300,000 bet. Furlong’s multifaceted success underscores his impact as more than just a poker player.
If you have a PokerGo account you can watch some of the key hands play out from the 1999 WSOP Main Event.
